In Week 1, Ohio State pulverized Akron, and now they’ll have the chance to get after another MAC program with Western Michigan coming to Columbus.
The Buckeyes are a 38.5-point home favorite against the Broncos, and we highlight why Ohio State is set for another blowout win over a G5 program in our Western Michigan vs. Ohio State predictions and college football picks for September 7.
Western Michigan vs Ohio State prediction
My best bet
Ohio State -38.5 (-105 at BetMGM)
My analysis
It was a shocking start last week for Ohio State after it went down 3-0 to Akron. But a three-and-out on the first offensive drive of the Will Howard era was quickly corrected as the Buckeyes went on to beat the Zips by 46 points.
While Western Michigan is a better team than Akron, Ohio State should look even better on offense this week. Howard settled in nicely going 17-for-28 with 228 yards and three touchdowns in his Buckeyes debut.
And he wasn’t the only new Ohio State playmaker to shine. Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins looked right at home in Chip Kelly’s offense while true freshman Jeremiah Smith was like a Marvin Harrison Jr. clone.
The new additions helped Ohio State put up 404 total yards and that was without their best offensive lineman, Donovan Jackson. An offense that was 12th in EPA per pass last season looked just as good, if not better, with Howard running the show.
And the run game, thanks to the additions of Judkins and Kelly, certainly looks a lot more impressive this season after ranking just 79th in EPA per rush last year.
Meanwhile, Western Michigan’s defense - which was 91st in EPA per pass and 96th in EPA per rush last year - doesn’t appear to be much better this season. It’s 102nd in SP+ after its Week 1 loss to Wisconsin.
However, the biggest difference in this game that should have Ohio State cover will be on the other side of the ball for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State is 2nd in SP+ on defense after Week 1 and was 4th in EPA per pass and 23rd in EPA per rush last year. The Broncos likely won’t put up enough points to stop Ohio State from covering.
Western Michigan vs Ohio State same-game parlay (SGP)
Ohio State -38.5
Over 54.5
Western Michigan team total Over 5.5 points
For this Over to hit, Ohio State’s just got to continue feeding its playmakers. Against Akron, Smith was the leading receiver with 92 yards and two scores - and the Buckeyes didn’t even need to feature potential first-round pick Emeka Egbuka.
With one game in the scarlet and grey under his belt, Howard should be even more comfortable this week. Which will mean more action for Egbuka and Carnell Tate alongside Smith.
Not to mention the run game can thrive after not being a focal point last week against Akron. Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson combined for just 21 carries, but still managed 120 yards. A bigger workload this week will likely lead to a few explosive runs.
But it won’t only be Ohio State scoring. Akron managed six points against the Buckeyes last week, and Western Michigan is a much more competent team - and even put up 14 on Wisconsin in Week 1.
Running back Jalen Buckley is a dynamic enough player to help Western Michigan put some points up on Ohio State.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Western Michigan vs Ohio State odds
Western Michigan vs Ohio State live odds
Western Michigan vs Ohio State opening odds
- Spread: Western Michigan +37.5 | Ohio State -37.5
- Moneyline: Western Michigan OTB | Ohio State OTB
- Over/Under: Over 54.5 | Under 54.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Western Michigan vs Ohio State spread and Over/Under analysis
- Coming off a 52-6 win over Akron, Ohio State opened favored by 39 with most books coming down to between 37.5 and 38.5.
- The Buckeyes are 7-6-1 ATS since last season while Western Michigan is 8-5.
- The Over/Under opened between 53.5 and 54.5 with most books settling in at 54.5.
- Ohio State is just 4-10 betting the Over dating back to last year and the Broncos are 7-6.
Western Michigan vs Ohio State betting trend to know
Western Michigan has hit the Game Total Over in 7 of their last 10 games (+3.70 Units / 34% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Western Michigan vs. Ohio State.
Western Michigan vs Ohio State game info
| Location: | Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH |
| Date: | Saturday, 9-7-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ABC |
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